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Experimental observations on a small active network

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Summary

A random network of threshold switching elements is experimentally observed. Various patterns of connexions are examined in an explorative but rather comprehensive review of the behaviour of a small network. Some predictions of previous theories are investigated. In particular the probabilistic approach is found effective within its limits of validity, confirming previous results by Smith et al. No general relationship is found between structure and operation except for the strong dependence of the activity of the whole network on small variations of the characteristics of the single active element and the pattern of connexions. A small amount of random refractoriness of the elements is shown to have a strong stabilizing effect on the behaviour of the network.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro di Cibernetica del C.N.R. presso Istituto di Fisica Teorica, Università di Napoli, Italia

    G. Gambardella & G. Trautteur

Authors
  1. G. Gambardella
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  2. G. Trautteur
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Additional information

This research was supported in part by the 6570 th Aereospace Medical Research Laboratories under grant no. AF EOAR 65-44 and monitored by the European, Office of Aerospace Research, U.S.A.F.

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Gambardella, G., Trautteur, G. Experimental observations on a small active network. Kybernetik 3, 8–13 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00291084

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00291084

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